Living Systems Cruise

Your Experience

On the R/V Sea Explorer, students will examine benthic and pelagic habitats by using oceanographic sampling tools to collect a variety of marine specimens. Students will explore an oceanic food chain as a circular system that recycles materials to create a functioning ecosystem. At the plankton station, students will be identifying phytoplankton and discussing their role as producers via photosynthesis. At the benthic station, students will explore decomposition and recycling of nutrients by identifying benthic organisms. Students will assist in the collection of live animals from the benthic zone using an otter net. The organisms collected will then be studied to determine their type and adaptations.